The date is set for the 2019 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by J&A Service and benefitting One Cure. Race officials announced today that the third annual World Series of Pro Mod will take place Aug. 9-10, 2019 at Bandimere Speedway.

Continuing to build on the momentum of the $100,000-to-win race, having a date secured for the biggest and richest Pro Mod race in the history of the known universe was important for race founder Wes Buck.

“We are extremely excited to announce that the date for the 2019 World Series of Pro Mod has already been set and we will be returning to Bandimere Speedway,” Buck said. “It was important to make an announcement immediately to show just how fired up we are, not only about how this year turned out but what we are expecting in 2019 and beyond. We were just so happy about this year and we wanted to lock in the date for next season.”

A successful debut race took place in 2017 and it continued to grow to a wildly popular level in 2018, as Carl Stevens Jr. claimed the six-figure payday with a thrilling final-round victory over Danny Rowe on Thunder Mountain. In the days following the highly successful race that saw fans traveling from all over the world to take in the must-see action, Buck and race officials worked with Bandimere Speedway general manager John “Sporty” Bandimere III to quickly get the date locked in for 2019. After the inaugural race in 2017, when Mike Bowman became the first Pro Mod competitor to win $100,000, race officials announced the date for the second race in early September. Both deemed it important to be even quicker regarding the 2019 announcement, revealing the date less than two weeks after the World Series of Pro Mod was completed.

“We are thrilled to have the World Series of Pro Mod back for 2019,” John “Sporty” Bandimere III said. “After a great inaugural race in 2017, it was exciting to see impressive growth in all areas in 2018. It’s just as thrilling to have the date announced for 2019 this quickly, and it demonstrates not only our commitment to the race, but also Wes’ dedication in keeping the race at Bandimere Speedway. This is a new drag racing entertainment property for our facility and it has already shown to be a tremendous draw and show, so we’re extremely excited to see where this race goes in the future.”

The second annual Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by J&A Service and benefitting One Cure put on a thrilling show in addition to the invitation-only Pro Mod showdown, as the event also featured the $5,000-to-win Drag 965/Nitrous Outlet burnout contest, the $5,000-to-win MagnaFuel Pro Star 16 and Quick Star 16 Shootouts in Top Dragster and Top Sportsman, as well as racing in the Sunoco King Street and JR Race Car Jr. Dragster categories. In all, more than 150 cars were on Thunder Mountain for the World Series of Pro Mod, as competitors put on an incredible show for the fans at Bandimere Speedway.

“The racing was simply unbelievable and that included every category that ran on Thunder Mountain,” Buck said. “We had drag racers from all over the country coming to race at the event, and fans from all over the United States and the world. That really is incredible to me and that’s something we’re really excited about heading into 2019.”

The goal now is to continue to build on the impressive momentum from the first two events as the World Series of Pro Mod continues to grow. Remaining on Thunder Mountain was imperative for race officials, offering a unique aspect for one of the biggest races of the year. The 2019 World Series of Pro Mod will also include testing leading up the event, as well as the shakedown runs with the scoreboards turned off. They were turned on during eliminations this year – something that will remain for 2019 – showcasing the incredible runs by the all-star list of competitors as they reached the 5.80s at nearly 250 mph. That unique nature of the race and outside-the-box thinking, including drawing for first-round eliminations on Friday, remains important to Buck.

“We want to keep fine-tuning what we do, and our focus is making sure the World Series of Pro Mod remains the biggest and richest Pro Mod race in the history of the known universe,” Buck said. “We had an unbelievable time and had so much fun in 2018, but there’s still a lot left we want to do as far continuing to make the World Series of Pro Mod even bigger and better. There are things that we want to tweak and it’s important to keep building on this incredible momentum. We were really excited with this year and how everything went, and it has us even more confident next year will be even better.”

On the strength of one incredible performance after another on Saturday, Carl Stevens Jr. came up victorious at the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by One Cure and J&A Service at Bandimere Speedway, knocking off Danny Rowe in a thrilling final round to be crowned champion and earn the $100,000 payday.

Stevens went a blistering 5.856 at 246.26 mph in his turbocharged ’69 Camaro to best Rowe’s 5.949 at 242.54, claiming the quickest run in the two-year history of the World Series of Pro Mod in the process. It set off a memorable celebration for the North Haledon, N.J., native and his team, soaking in what it meant to win the biggest and richest Pro Mod drag race in the history of the known universe.

“This is easily the biggest event win we’ve ever had,” Stevens Jr. said. “Being on the biggest stage for Pro Mod and getting the win, it’s just incredible. That’s really what it’s all about. The money certainly doesn’t hurt, obviously, but on this grand stage that we’ve been given, in my opinion there’s nothing bigger.”

Stevens also shared the winner’s circle celebration with his father, Carl Stevens Sr., which added to the magnitude of the moment for the Pro Mod standout, but he put together five impressive wins in eliminations to get there.

Stevens opened Saturday with a 5.93 at 245.94 in the Jim Bell-owned Camaro to knock off Marc Caruso, setting up a must-see matchup with two-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders. Stevens went 5.897 at 246.66 to slip past Enders’ 5.922 at 243.99, continuing that improvement in his quarterfinal showdown with defending event winner Mike Bowman.

The two turbo-powered talents provided the most thrilling side-by-side duel of the weekend, as Stevens’ 5.880 at 246.21 ousted Bowman’s 5.912 at 249.03 by a mere .007. From there, Stevens beat Michael Biehle when he went red, running a quicker 5.863 at 245.90 to move into the final-round matchup against Rowe. Stevens again dialed up another spectacular run in his Xtreme Racing Engines-powered Camaro, tracking down Rowe after the veteran left first.

“I was pretty jacked up inside the car,” Stevens said. “The people probably heard screaming inside the car as I was turning off the track. I was pretty pumped up. I wanted to see if I could pick it up a little more (in the final). As the tuner, I was looking at the data and thought I could make it go a little better so I had to try. I was pretty confident in the tune-up.”

Stevens was on a roll throughout eliminations following his strong blast on the final Summit Racing Shakedown run on Friday night. In all, he improved during all five elimination runs, knocking off a standout list of talents en route to the six-figure payday and custom World Series of Pro Mod championship belt.

“We knew it was really fast and we knew we could go a little bit faster if we had to,” Stevens said. “We were really pretty confident and just trying to not beat ourselves. We’ve just been trying to connect the dots and put it all together and what better place to put it all together than here. Everything just fell together against some huge names.”

It also made for a rewarding winner’s circle celebration for car owner Jim Bell, a Pro Mod veteran who was thoroughly impressed with how the team worked together against marquee competition.

“It’s the biggest win ever,” Bell said. “It’s so exciting to win this and every round was tough. We faced some great drivers. The race against Mike could have gone either way and luckily it went our way. As far as winning this, it’s a team effort and we’re a solid team. We were consistent and going fast in the heat of the day. Danny did a great job (in the finals) and drove a really good race.”

Rowe performed at a high level in his RJ Race Cars Camaro, taking out standout Shane Molinari in the opening round, 2017 WSOPM runner-up Steven Whiteley in the second round and WSOPM Drag 965/Nitrous Outlet burnout champion Stevie Jackson in the quarterfinals. A solo pass after Brandon Pesz broke in the semifinals sent Rowe to the final round where he put together his best pass of the weekend in the Jimmy Rector-tuned Camaro. It wasn’t enough to top Stevens, but there were plenty of positives for Rowe.

“The whole day has been a struggle and a fight, and my crew did a great job and I was able to drive a good race car today,” Rowe said. “We’ve got a great foundation (for this race). The fans were great and it was fun, and it’s just a matter of building on it.”

A year ago, Stevens watched the WSOPM with the hopes of racing at the event in 2018. He made the most of out, finishing his thrilling debut at Bandimere Speedway with a $100,000 check and a plethora of amazing memories. Included in that is one that will stay with him forever.

“The biggest thing is all the racing I do with my dad,” Stevens said. “Having him here and being able to win this huge event, the biggest event of our lives, together is something I’ll never forget. It’s just awesome memories.”

In addition to the $100,000-to-win Pro Mod show, the World Series of Pro Mod also included competition in MagnaFuel Pro Star 16, MagnaFuel Quick Star 16, MagnaFuel Shootout, Sunoco King Street, JR Race Car 7.90 Shootout, and the One Cure Reverse Race.

Over 32 Top Dragster drivers showed up to compete in the $5,000-to-win MagnaFuel Pro Star 16 Shootout, but two out-of-state competitors were left standing when the final round rolled to the starting line. Grant, Nebraska’s Kasey Kroeker posted the win in his nitrous-assisted Spitzer dragster when Matt Sackman left .001 too soon in his Channahon, Illinois-based Spitzer entry. Kroeker ran 6.635 on a 6.65 dial-in.

Colorado Top Sportsman racers squared off in the $5,000-to-win MagnaFuel Quick Star 16 final round, as Haxtun’s Monte Green drove his ’07 Ford Fusion to a 7.000 on a 6.97 dial-in next to Bud Preuss in his ’69 Camaro running 6.997 on a 6.98 dial.

With a surplus of Top Dragster racers on the property for the MagnaFuel Pro Star 16 field, a second MagnaFuel Shootout class was added to accommodate another 16 drivers. In the final round, Bob Ross left the starting line just .002 ahead of Rick Milinazzo and ran 6.689 on a 6.68 dial-in to defeat Milinazzo’s 7.342 on a 7.33 dial-in.

Making its World Series of Pro Mod debut was Bandimere Speedway’s Sunoco King Street class, which was won by Lisa Hill in her ’93 Mustang after running a 11.692 on a 11.66 dial-in in the final round over Craig Jones and his 10.633 on a 10.45 dial-in.

Local Jr. Dragster competitors battled it out in the JR Race Car 7.90 Shootout final round, with Thornton’s Kayleigh Hill using a holeshot advantage and 7.946 at 80.34 to defeat Lauryn Sipes and her 7.915 at 81.99.

Eight racers competed in the One Cure Reverse Race, where street cars race in reverse to the 330-foot mark. Brothers Matt and Zach Sackman squared off in the final round, with Zach taking the win. The $800 in entry fees were donated to One Cure.

Event Merchandise
Bandimere Speedway will sell event t-shirts, hoodies, hats and other event merchandise at four different locations around the facility. Drag Illustrated merchandise and subscriptions will also be available for sale on the midway.

BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY FAQ

Bandimere Speedway has compiled a number of frequently asked questions and answers to help you better plan your day at the races. If the following still does not answer your question please feel free to contact us at info@bandimere.com.

Are there any specific items not allowed inside the facility?
Posted signs remind patrons that the following items are not allowed into the facility at any time:

No alcoholic beverages
No glass bottles or containers
No concealed weapons
Use of marijuana is prohibited
Children must be accompanied by an adult
No illegal drugs
No motorized/non-motorized vehicles through the spectator gates
Pets (except service animals assisting those with disabilities)

**Bandimere Speedway security staff reserves the right to prohibit any items that may pose a safety hazard or hinder the enjoyment of the event by other patrons.

Can I bring an umbrella?
Umbrellas are permitted; however, an umbrella may only be used if, when open, it provides protection only to the Guest holding it and does not interfere with other Guests’ enjoyment of the event. Personal umbrellas larger than 15”, when collapsed, and/or golf umbrellas are not permitted. Guests may be asked to close their umbrella if it is obstructing the view of other Guests.

Can I bring a cooler into the race?
No coolers larger than six-pack size (approximately L 20″x W 13″x H 14″) are permitted into the facility. All coolers are subject to inspection by speedway security.

Can I bring alcoholic beverages into the facility?
No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the speedway facility.

Can I smoke at the facility?
Smoking is allowed in designated areas. Smoking is not allowed in the grandstands. Contact a Bandimere employee to find the designated smoking areas.

Can I bring a backpack into the facility?
As long as they are no larger than a six-pack size L 20″x W 13″x H 14″. All backpacks are subject to inspection by speedway security.

Are there special handicap parking areas?
Handicapped Parking is located in the front of the Main Ticket Center, via Gate B. Shuttles are available at all events. Contact a Bandimere employee for a shuttle.

Can I bring my pet to the race?
No pets are allowed at any Bandimere Speedway events (except service animals assisting those with disabilities).

Do I have to buy passes to get into the pits?
This is part of what makes drag racing so special. Every ticket to a Bandimere Speedway event includes a pit pass, allowing you and your family the opportunity to get close to the drivers and their cars.

Can I get drivers’ autographs?
During the Mopar Mile High Nationals, NAPA Auto Parts Night of Fire & Thunder, CARSTAR Thunder on the Mountain, and Brakes Plus Jet Car Nationals, many drivers will sign autographs in their pit area. At all other Bandimere Speedway events the drivers are often available at any time for autographs to anyone that asks.

Can I use my cell phone at Bandimere Speedway?
You are permitted to use your cell phone at any place at Bandimere Speedway, but please keep in mind those around you when making calls.

Are there check-cashing services available?
There are no check-cashing services at Bandimere Speedway.

Are there ATM machines at the Speedway?
Yes, there is an ATM available for use in Bandimere’s official souvenir store Competitive Threads.

Where do I pick-up tickets?
Bandimere Speedway has two spectator box offices. Both are easily visible upon entering the facility and placed next to the spectator entrances. Will Call tickets can be printed up at any open window at all box office locations by showing your ID. The main spectator walk-in entrance is the northern of the two entrances.

Can I buy tickets in advance?
You may purchase tickets for all events on-line, at all front range King Soopers locations or by calling the box office at 303-697-6001. You will have the option of printing your tickets at home, or for an additional fee you can leave them in will call or have them mailed to you.

What food concessions are available?
A wide variety of foods are available from the Bandimere Speedway concessions such as Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Nachos, Ice Cream and much more. There are two main concession stands at the Speedway one located conveniently near each of the two main grandstands. Bandimere concessions also proudly serve a full line of ice-cold Pepsi and Budweiser products. At larger events a number of independent vendors including pizza, barbeque, kettle corn and more is available.

Is there a place to buy souvenirs?
Official Bandimere Speedway merchandise is available at the Speedway souvenir store Competitive Threads, during all Bandimere events. At larger events multiple sales locations will be available throughout the facility.

What facilities are available if I have a medical problem?
Mobile First Aid teams patrol the facility at all times during an event. In the event of needed medical assistance contact any speedway personnel and give them location/situation and first aid assistance will be contacted immediately.

What dining, lodging facilities, and entertainment facilities are available in the area?
There are many local dining and entertainment facilities available in the area. For a complete list of Bandimere Speedway preferred lodging partners check the hotel listings page by clicking here.

Are cameras (video or still), allowed in the races?
You are allowed to take video or still pictures of the vehicles at anytime. However video and/or still pictures taken at Bandimere Speedway are for personal use only and may not be sold or marketed without a licensed arrangement from Bandimere Speedway or the NHRA.

Are unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, allowed in the races?
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, Bandimere Speedway strictly prohibits the operation of or use of any unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as “Drones,” on, from, or above the Bandimere Speedway Complex premises. This includes all UAVs regardless of size, weight, or purpose. Only the facilities official photographer company has specific written permission from Bandimere Speedway to use such vehicles.

World Series of Pro Mod officials announced today a $5,000-to-win burnout contest to take place during the Friday shakedown sessions at the DRAG ILLUSTRATED World Series of Pro Mod, Aug 10-11, at Bandimere Speedway near Denver. Drag 965 and Nitrous Outlet have signed on as the presenting sponsors of the burnout contest.

Drawing on the success of last year’s impromptu burnout contest, Drag Illustrated Founder and Editor Director Wes Buck wanted to create an official competition with serious prize money for the winner.

“A handful of drivers got together and challenged each other to a burnout contest last year, much to the approval of the fans,” Buck said. “It really added to the show and injected some excitement into Friday’s program, so we knew we had to do it again this year. Sheikh Mohammad al Sabah (head of Drag 965) and David Vasser (owner of Nitrous Outlet) were both eager to jump on board and show their support for the drivers who participate in this contest.”

The burnout contest, open to all of the WSOPM Pro Mod drivers, will take place during the second Summit Racing Shakedown Runs session at 7:15 p.m. Friday. The winner will be decided by a panel of judges, who will rank the burnouts based on length, style, smoke and crowd reaction. Drivers must start their burnouts behind the starting line, but there are no other rules or limitations.

“Drivers like Clint Satterfield and Stevie ‘Fast’ Jackson have already confirmed their participation – they even have burnout contest-specific engines set aside,” Buck revealed. “These guys are serious about putting on a show and we appreciate them willing to go to such lengths to help us make the World Series of Pro Mod a truly one-of-a-kind drag racing entertainment property.”

The DRAG ILLUSTRATED World Series of Pro Mod is pleased to announce that Flying A Motorsports, an industry leader in transportation equipment, has been named the Official Totorhome, Motorhome, Truck and Trailer for the second annual World Series of Pro Mod, which takes place Aug. 10-11 at Bandimere Speedway just outside of Denver.

Featuring the top Pro Mod drivers from around the country, the World Series of Pro Mod will award $100,000 to the winner of a race deemed the biggest and richest Pro Mod race in the history of the known universe. Flying A Motorsports will have a noticeable presence at the race and owner Alan Cape will also have a motorhome on display in the staging lanes, handing out water to drivers and teams as well.

“We are extremely excited to be a sponsor for the World Series of Pro Mod,” Cape said. “We go to about 8-10 races per year and they’re all Pro Mod races. This race, it’s the best of the best in the Pro Mod class, so you have to be there for that. Plus, it’s Denver, so that combination of location and Pro Mod, which in my mind is the ultimate drag racing car, and $100,000 on the line, it’s the best of everything. The people in this class are successful and they’re the most down to earth people you will meet. It’s a fun group to be around.”

Flying A Motorsports has been a reliable source for drag racers when it comes to transportation equipment for 30 years. Based in Cuba, Mo., Flying A Motorsports carries new and used race car trailers, stacker trailers, car haulers and cargo trailers, also offering customers new and used motorhomes, Super C RVs and racing RVs in every price range. It has also been the dependable company of choice for a number of top racing teams, while Cape has found his passion working with Pro Mod competitors, something he hopes will be evident at the highly-anticipated World Series of Pro Mod.

“We really can’t thank Alan enough for his support of the World Series of Pro Mod and just racing in general,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated Founder and Editorial Director. “Alan’s enthusiasm for doorslammer racing and his willingness to help out so many racers is incredible. We are simply fortunate enough to have people like him and companies like his involved in our sport and at the World Series of Pro Mod, and we truly appreciate how much he gives back and invests in the sport he loves.”

Looking for a unique way to get involved with the DRAG ILLUSTRATED World Series of Pro Mod, Summit Racing Equipment has been announced as the official sponsor of the shakedown runs during the upcoming event, which takes place Aug. 10-11 at Bandimere Speedway just outside of Denver.

The Summit Racing Shakedown Runs will take place on Friday, Aug. 10, giving the star-studded Pro Mod lineup competing at the highly-anticipated race three opportunities to get their cars ready for Saturday’s $100,000 winner-take-all prize.

“We thought having the Summit Racing Shakedown Runs was a cool concept and it is exciting to be part of the World Series of Pro Mod in this capacity,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports and Events Manager. “I love the idea of no times on the board for the shakedown runs and nobody knows what everyone is running until it’s go time. It’s another interesting aspect to the race and the wording of the Summit Racing Shakedown Runs just flows perfectly. It’s a cool thing and we’re thrilled to be part of the event.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018, Summit Racing Equipment is a worldwide leader in e-commerce, mail order and retailer of performance parts and accessories. Summit Racing Equipment, which offers a selection of parts from more than 1,500 manufacturers, has worked with a number of different classes and race series over the years, now partnering with the World Series of Pro Mod for the first time in 2018.

“We’ve seen the excitement surrounding the event and the money is incredible,” Greenleaf said. “Pro Mod is very hot right now and the competition is just great. We also have a great partnership with Bandimere Speedway and it’s exciting to see a race like this take place at a top-notch facility like Bandimere. It’s just going to be an awesome event.”

The three Summit Racing Shakedown Runs will take place at 5:00, 7:15 and 9:00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10, and the scoreboards at Bandimere Speedway will be turned off for those runs. The scoreboards will then be turned on for Saturday’s eliminations, setting a dramatic stage for the biggest and richest Pro Mod race in the history of the known universe.

“We could not possibly be more proud to welcome Summit Racing Equipment to the World Series of Pro Mod family,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated Founder and Editorial Director. “Jim Greenleaf and the team at Summit are hands-on with their partnerships in drag racing, and we love it. They’re quick to offer ideas and share in the excitement of the properties they team with, and you can’t ask for more than that.

“We’re excited to extend three shots at the track on Friday, Aug. 10, to our WSOPM competitors – their Summit Racing Shakedown Runs – and give them an opportunity to fine tune their hot rods for what will likely be the most intense day of racing any of them have ever faced on Saturday during our $100,000-to-win main event.”

It was announced today that Bill Miller Engineering (BME), a longtime leader in forged aluminum pistons and connecting rods, was officially named a sponsor for the upcoming DRAG ILLUSTRATED World Series of Pro Mod, which takes place Aug. 10-11 at Bandimere Speedway just outside of Denver.

The second annual event features the top Pro Mod competitors in the world, all racing for a $100,000 winner-take-all prize in what is billed as the biggest and richest Pro Mod race in the history of the known universe. BME is a noted powerhouse in motorsports when it comes to manufacturing aluminum connecting rods, forged racing pistons, wrist pins and superchargers, giving the World Series of Pro Mod another marquee partner.

“Bill Miller Engineering is a legacy brand in our industry, and has long since been a driving force in the racing world, introducing new technology and employing a never-settle attitude, and we couldn’t be more proud to have them join the World Series of Pro Mod for 2018 and beyond,” Drag Illustrated Founder and Editorial Director Wes Buck said. “Bill and his team believe in fast doorslammer racing – Pro Mod, drag radial and the like – and that’s exciting and, I believe, an indication of the impact events like WSOPM are having on the sport.”

Operating out of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Carson City, Nev., BME has built an impressive reputation in drag racing thanks to constant innovation and the latest in machine tool technology.

BME has more than four decades worth of experience, and its forged aluminum pistons and connecting rods have been used by a number of world championship drivers, including 16-time NHRA Funny Car world champion John Force and eight-time Top Fuel champ Tony Schumacher. Its pistons have been the choice of a number of NASCAR champions as well, and BME has also seen significant growth within the Pro Mod and drag radial ranks over the last several seasons. BME’s forged aluminum connecting rod has been a popular choice for a number of top Pro Mod drivers, as the class continues to grow at an impressive rate.

“We are extremely excited to continue as a partner with the World Series of Pro Mod for the second straight year,” BME Founder Bill Miller said. “We have had a great relationship with Drag Illustrated for a number of years and being a part of the inaugural World Series of Pro Mod event a year ago was a tremendous thrill. The event just continues to grow, and we’re proud to support the racers running BME rods and pistons at this must-see race.”

Industry leader Brad Anderson Enterprises (BAE) has been named a sponsor for the upcoming DRAG ILLUSTRATED World Series of Pro Mod, race officials announced today. The second annual event, known as the biggest and richest Pro Mod race in the history of the known universe, will take place Aug. 10-11 at Bandimere Speedway just outside of Denver.

The addition of BAE adds another standout company to the highly-anticipated Pro Mod race, which will award $100,000 to the winner and will feature 32 of the best Pro Mod competitors in the world.

“Drag racing has always been a driving force for our business, and I’m happy to still be involved after all these years,” BAE Founder Brad Anderson said. “Pro Mod has been an interest and challenge for us, and we’re very excited to be a part of the World Series of Pro Mod. We’re proud to not only support this race and what it means for Pro Mod, but also the many customers we have competing for that $100,000 grand prize. We wish them all the best of luck on ‘Thunder Mountain’ this August.”

BAE has been a marquee name in drag racing for more than three decades, in part to Anderson’s own success as a driver. Anderson recorded 24 national event victories and three world championships in Top Alcohol Funny Car, using that experience to help make BAE an industry powerhouse.

The company develops innovative and high-quality racing engines and components, specializing in aluminum engine blocks and billet cylinder heads. BAE customers have enjoyed impressive success in a number of different categories and that incredible track record includes numerous top Pro Mod drivers, including reigning World Series of Pro Mod champion Mike Bowman. As the World Series of Pro Mod continues to grow, the addition of BAE as a race sponsor also adds to the magnitude of the race.

“What can you say about Brad Anderson that hasn’t already been said? He’s an icon,” Drag Illustrated Founder and Editorial Director Wes Buck said. “To call and talk to him on the phone, or to spend a few minutes chatting with him at the track, for me, is surreal. His contribution to the sport of drag racing on so many levels is largely unparalleled, and we are proud and honored to have his world-renowned operation involved with the World Series of Pro Mod.”

With a penchant for being a part of big-time drag racing events, it only made sense for M&M Transmissions to become a partner for the DRAG ILLUSTRATED World Series of Pro Mod, which takes place Aug. 10-11 at Bandimere Speedway. Drag Illustrated officials announced the sponsorship today for a race that will pay $100,000 to the winner.

M&M Transmissions has become a force in the Pro Mod ranks over the last handful of years, which made being a sponsor at the biggest and richest Pro Mod race in the history of the known universe a natural fit.

“To me, this race has a premier feel to it and all the top Pro Mod guys will be there,” owner Mark Micke said. “That’s what we look for when we sponsor an event. We want to sponsor the best events out there, the ones with the most hype and the fastest cars. It falls in line with what we do and it’s going to be a big event, one of the top events of the year. As far as Pro Mod racing goes, this is the top of the food chain and for us it’s a no-brainer.”

Micke has become a star driver in the drag radial world, with his company becoming a powerhouse in that class as well. But M&M Transmissions has made an impressive move into the Pro Mod ranks as well. The company’s transmissions and torque converters have earned rave reviews in the class, with a number of WSOPM participants like defending champ Mike Bowman, Clint Satterfield, Shane Molinari, Marc Caruso, Sidnei Frigo and Derek Menholt running the automatic converter in their entries. It’s helped push the envelope in the class, leading to the type of marquee racing that will take place on Thunder Mountain in August for the WSOPM.

“Mark and the team at M&M are among the finest individuals I’ve encountered in over a decade working in drag racing,” Drag Illustrated Founder and Editorial Director Wes Buck said. “They’ve rapidly become an industry status symbol, and they are well-known for being attached to cars and drivers that set records, wins races and earn championships. That makes them a perfect fit for an ultra-exclusive, elite race like the World Series of Pro Mod.”

A hands-on approach has served Micke and his team well. He had a number of strong seasons racing in Pro Mod in the 2000s, winning a championship in the NMCA before making the move to radial racing. In addition to a busy and successful racing career, that hands-on approach also includes working with customers at the track, using feedback and ideas from that real-world experience and applying it to M&M Transmission’s products. It ensures Micke and his team continue to evolve, something that will be evident at the WSOPM.

“I’m still a Pro Mod guy and I love the cars. It’s just a cool class,” Micke said. “It’s good to see a big-money Pro Mod race like this. It’s $100,000 to win and that’s a big deal. For us, we’ve been involved with some high-caliber Pro Mod guys the last 4-5 years, and that’s helped get our product up to speed. The results speak for themselves and the Pro Mod teams running our stuff are at the front of the class. Hopefully that continues and this is going to be a hell of an event.”